Few departments of France offer quite so much character and diversity as Hautes-Pyrénées. Here you will find traditional French-shuttered bastide houses, ski/spa resorts and one of the best-known sites of religious pilgrimage, Lourdes. The most spectacular scenery can be found in the mountainous south of Hautes-Pyrenees. Vignemale, the Pic-du-Midi de Bigorre, the Neouvielle and Arbizon ranges and the spectacular Parc National des Pyrénées attract hikers, climbers, cyclists (including the Tour de France) and skiers. One of the best-known ski resorts of Hautes Pyrénées is the village of Saint-Lary-Soulan. Hautes-Pyrénées (number 65) is in the
Occitanie region and shares part of its border with Spain. In contrast to the mountains of the south, the northern portion is largely flat and agricultural. The city of Tarbes is the department's economic and administrative capital.
Tarbes: Rich Heritage by the River
Tarbes, located at the foot of the Pyrénées Mountains and straddling the Adour River, offers a rich cultural and architectural heritage. Highlights include the Gothic Cathedral of
Notre-Dame-de-la-Sède and the 19th-century
Jardin Massey. The city hosts vibrant festivals and events and boasts diverse culinary offerings. Tarbes is a captivating destination that combines history and culture.
The Spiritual Hub of Lourdes
Lourdes is a spiritual and historic town that attracts millions of visitors each year. It is renowned as a place of pilgrimage and healing, with the
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, and
Bernadette de Soubirou at its heart. The sanctuary includes the famous
Grotto of Massabielle, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in 1858. In addition to its spiritual importance, Lourdes boasts a rich religious, cultural and architectural heritage, including the
Château Fort de Lourdes and the
Rosary Basilica.
Unique Traditions
Despite its proximity to
Spain, this area is rich in French and regional tradition. The famous
béret originates from this part of France and, just across the border in Pyrénées-Atlantiques in the neighbouring region of
Nouvelle-Aquitaine, there is even a museum dedicated to this well-known item of headwear.
A Gentle Pace of Life
The pace of life in Hautes-Pyrénées is gentle and, thanks to the fact that there are on average, 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, life is generally lived outdoors, making this an ideal place for families and those who appreciate having the time and space to focus on fitness and wellbeing. Even in the higher altitude towns and villages, summer temperatures regularly reach the mid'20s, and there are distinct seasons, with snow on the mountains in the winter, vibrant spring days and crisp, colourful autumns.
Culinary Delights of Pyrénées
In this part of the Occitanie region, the food is earthy and nourishing with local favourites including
cassoulet, a warming bean stew. Wherever you travel in Hautes-Pyrénées the restaurants and shops offer a plentiful choice of local cheeses and wines, including those from the vineyards of Madiran and Jurançon near Lourdes.
Accessibility and Connectivity
Hautes-Pyrénées is easily accessible from European airports. There are flights from London and other major cities to Tarbes-Lourdes airport and the international airport of Toulouse, just across the border in
Haute-Garonne, welcomes more than 9 million passengers a year from all over the world. The chic Atlantic coastal resorts of Biarritz and St Jean de Luz are also within easy reach.
Natural Wonders and Adventure
With historic attractions such as the Bridge of Spain, the breathtakingly scenic
Troumouse and
Gavarnie cirques (both UNESCO heritage sites), in addition to ski and wellness resorts, traditional bastide villages and unspoilt scenery, it is easy to see why Hautes-Pyrénées is such a popular destination for tourists and expats looking for a mix of nature, culture and a laid-back way of life.
Key Information about the Hautes-Pyrénées
- Main City/Prefecture: Tarbes
- Nearest Airport: Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport and Toulouse
- Population: Around 228,000 (as of the latest census)
- Area: 4,464 sq. kilometres and 1,723 sq. miles
- Landmark: Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a significant pilgrimage site and the Pic-du-Midi (2877m).
- Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 5 million, captivated by its religious significance and mountain landscapes.
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